Heredity of navicular disease

Area of Science:

• Equine veterinary science
• Radiology
• Genetics

Background:

• Podotrochleosis is a common condition in horses, particularly affecting the navicular bone.
• Understanding the genetic basis of bone structure is crucial for preventing equine lameness.
• Previous studies have suggested a potential genetic component to podotrochleosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To radiologically evaluate bone structure in Dutch warmblood mares.
• To investigate potential genetic factors contributing to podotrochleosis.
• To assess the predictive value of stallion radiological evaluation for progeny.

Main Methods:

• Radiological evaluation of fore navicular bones in 169 three- and four-year-old Dutch warmblood mares.
• Horses were divided into eleven daughter (half-sister) groups.
• A 'total evaluation' method was used to assess bone structure, nutrient canals, and form.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in bone structure were detected between three- and four-year-old horses.
• Significant differences were found between daughter groups of three-year-old mares.
• These findings support the theory that podotrochleosis may be partly due to genetic factors.
• Radiological evaluation of stallions did not predict outcomes in their progeny.

Conclusions:

• Genetic factors likely play a role in the development of podotrochleosis in Dutch warmblood mares.
• Selection possibilities for breeding programs aimed at reducing podotrochleosis incidence can be explored.
• Stallion radiological assessment is not a reliable predictor of navicular bone health in offspring.